Planning Commission Seeks Top-Tier Expert as Member (Social Sector & Devolution) to Shape Pakistan’s National Development
Planning Commission Seeks Top-Tier Expert as Member (Social Sector & Devolution) to Shape Pakistan’s National Development In a call for national leadership, the Government of Pakistan’s Planning Commission, operating under the Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives, has announced a challenging and prestigious opportunity for a dynamic professional to join its highest echelons. The Commission is seeking to appoint a Member (Social Sector & Devolution), a key position at the very heart of the nation’s economic and developmental policymaking.
This is a clarion call to “Join the Team, Lead the Mission” and be part of the driving force behind Pakistan’s national development and economic transformation. It is a rare opportunity for a seasoned expert with extensive policy-making experience to contribute directly to building a strong economy and a stronger Pakistan. The deadline for online applications for this influential role is September 7th, 2025.
The role of a Member of the Planning Commission is one of immense responsibility and national significance. This individual will be a key architect of policies and strategies that directly impact the social fabric of the country. The “Social Sector & Devolution” portfolio is particularly critical, encompassing vital areas such as health, education, poverty alleviation, social protection, and the effective implementation of developmental programs at the provincial and local levels. The person appointed to this role will be instrumental in guiding the government’s agenda, ensuring that national development is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. They will be at the center of a team driving the transformation of Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape.
To be considered for this high-stakes position, candidates must possess a formidable combination of advanced academic qualifications and extensive, high-level professional experience. The minimum educational requirement is a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree in Social Sector fields from a reputed and HEC-recognized national or international university. The experience requirements are equally stringent and are differentiated based on the academic qualification. A candidate holding a Ph.D. must have at least fourteen (14) years of experience in a relevant field at the policy-making level. For a candidate with a Master’s degree, the requirement is even more rigorous, demanding at least eighteen (18) years of experience at the policy-making level. This distinction underscores the Commission’s focus on attracting individuals who have not just theoretical knowledge but a deep, practical, and proven track record of shaping national policy. The maximum age limit for applicants is 62 years as of the last date of application.
The appointment will be offered on the prestigious SPPS-I (Special Professional Pay Scale), reflecting the seniority and expertise required for the role. The tenure will initially be for a period of two years, with the possibility of further extension on an annual basis for a maximum of four years, subject to satisfactory performance. This structure ensures that the Member has a significant period to implement their vision and drive long-term strategic initiatives.
“The role of a Member in the Planning Commission is one of the most critical technocratic positions in the country,” notes a former federal secretary and policy expert. “This is not an administrative or bureaucratic post; it is a thought leadership role. The individual selected will be responsible for providing the intellectual and strategic direction for Pakistan’s entire social development agenda. They will need a deep understanding of the country’s complex social challenges, a visionary approach to policy formulation, and the ability to navigate the intricate landscape of federal and provincial governance. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.”
How to Apply
The application process is managed through official government online portals to ensure transparency and accessibility for all candidates. To apply, interested and eligible professionals must submit their applications online through the National Job Portal (NJP), which is accessible at https://www.njp.gov.pk. This is the primary and mandatory channel for application submission. Candidates who are already in government service must apply through the proper channel and, if selected, will be required to either resign or seek early retirement from their current position before joining the Planning Commission. Further details regarding the shortlisting criteria and other specifics of the role can be found on the Planning Commission’s official website at https://pc.gov.pk/web/career. The final date for the submission of online applications is September 7th, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, and it is important to note that no TA/DA will be admissible for this purpose. For any specific queries, the relevant contact is the Section Officer (HR-III) at the Pakistan Secretariat in Islamabad.
